Brave: Having Courage Amidst Suffering

In the midst of tribulation, distress, and suffering, we don’t need to hide. Instead, we can be brave living with courage and complete peace.

Brave

What movie character comes to your mind when you think about someone who is brave? Is it an old movie or a newer one? I’m telling my age here, but Harrison Ford often played courageous roles, such as the president in “Air Force One” and Jack Ryan, the CIA analyst in the Tom Clancy-inspired movies. (Probably not a good idea to let him get in a plane these days!)

For many years, my son-in-law, who is a captain in the military, practically idolized the legendary thirteenth century Scottish hero named William Wallace; I’m convinced he wasn’t alone in his adulation. Wallace was played by Mel Gibson in the movie, (have you guessed it?), “Braveheart.” Grown men far and wide beat their chests and secretly fantasized about being William Wallace, or at the very least, saddling up and galloping to a bloody victory beside him. It’s a guy thing.

Recently, I read an article about not giving into fear as we age, but rather “staying brave.” The author related carefree activities she took part in as a young woman which she has been too fearful to do as an older woman, such as driving alone on a long-distance trip. Her insights are interesting; dancing in the rain, traveling a distance alone, walking in the dark, depending on the individual, may each require a level of bravery, but I am not convinced that what she is offering is the definition of being brave.

Brave is defined as possessing or exhibiting courage or courageous endurance.

Hm.

Courage is defined as the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc. without fear.

Ah, there it is; that’s what I am trying to put my finger on – the spirit within which enables a person to face the giant in the middle of the road we’re walking on.

Courage Amidst Suffering

In the past several days, as horror has soaked through our shock upon realizing the carnage one individual can wreak on so many lives, we have also learned that bravery is not a lost character trait in the twenty-first century, as many in my generation have begun to wonder. Countless selfless acts have been reported, some of which cost people their own lives while they protected others. First responders and police officers running toward the gunfire to steer people away from it, civilians risking their lives to lead others to safety; a husband giving his life to save his wife’s are only a few of the stories we have heard. We marvel at their courage and silently pray that we will be as brave should we ever, God forbid, find ourselves in similar circumstances.

I wonder why we are always numbed with shock when horrible things happen in this world? Thank God we can still be shocked, yes! However, it seems Christians have just as much trouble as nonbelievers grasping the evil byproduct the prince of this world foments…as though there remains within us a stubborn resistance to the truth that the Scriptures repeatedly spoke to us about evil. I John 5:19 states clearly that the whole world lies in the power of the evil one. In Mark 7:20-23 (ESV) Jesus says (I’m talking red letters here) after expounding on a list of what defiles someone, “All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.” Lastly, as a final reminder that evil was here to stay until He returned, Jesus spoke:

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.

John 16:33, ESV

Yes, Jesus was attempting to reassure His disciples, but also His future disciples – us. I love how the Amplified version expounds on this verse. It helps me tease out the richer meaning of the original words that get lost in translation:

I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory is abiding.]

John 16:33, AMP

Final Thoughts

2017 has definitely been a year for tribulation, distress and suffering in America alone, not to mention other areas of the world where hurricanes, mudslides and wars are occurring. It can feel overwhelming to hear one tragedy on the heels of another, one appeal for help right after another one. What are we to do? Be afraid because the “end” is near, as some believe?…

It can feel overwhelming to hear one tragedy on the heels of another... What are we to do? Click To Tweet

Not according to Jesus. In truth, we can have complete peace in Him. In the midst of tribulation, distress, and suffering, we don’t need to hide or quake in our boots, but rather, Jesus told us to do the opposite of what seems to come naturally to many of us. He said to be courageous! ‘And while you’re at it, have some joy with that courage because I have overcome the world, folks, so what could you possibly be afraid of??’

And like William Wallace, strap on some armor…

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.

Ephesians 6:12-13 ESV

Be brave, sisters.

Encourage others in their pursuit of bravery. These notecards are a reminder that our world may be full of battles, but God has overcome the world!!

Brian Cook